Feb 7 Simple pleasure: A really good stretch

You’ve been sat in a cramped car or coach for hours, with snack wrappers, outer layers of clothing and your bag eating into the small amount of space that you have been dedicated.

Your legs have gone to sleep, and to move would be an invitation for pins and needles. Your shoulders and neck ache from leaning over your phone, magazine or whatever has taken your attention between locations. But -

Good things come to those who wait (and endure the curl-up).

When the engine comes to a stop, maybe in a service station or at your final destination, you are rewarded for your patience. This is one of the only times you get to truly feel the relief of a really good stretch. The arms come up overhead, your fingers interlocking and pushing every last bit of discomfort out of your upper body. Some funny lunges occur too, with wide-legged stances and bum-wiggles galore.

A tilt of the waist left, then right, a swing of the elbows and - there it is - the rare and wonderful freedom from your own knottiness.

Alas, it’ll probably be a while until you get to experience it again, but maybe next time you’re in a tight space you’ll have something to look forward to.